An elegant solution for an ugly problem on 91-96 Vehicles

[fm9572]

I have a 1996 Park Avenue that started having certain very common problems.

• Kept wanting to die without warning, then not wanting to start back up until it had "rested" for a while.
• Power; Windows/Locks/Seats would stop working, especially when it was wet
• Charging issues. Sometimes, the voltmeter would drop really low, and the vehicle would die.

Turns out, all of these are related. GM in their infinite wisdom decided to ground all of these items to a cheaply made metal block, it covered in a plastic cover, then used crappy push on connectors with those "spring pressure" tangs on the connector, that supposedly keeps pressure on the connection.
Turns out, after 20 years or so, the clips lose pressure, and the block gets corroded, making it not conduct electricity very well. At first I tried just hooking another ground to the block, but that didn't solve the problem with the connectors. What I would up doing was clip the connectors, and replace the block with a #10-32 Brass Bolt and Nut (about 50 cents each) and some brass washers as spacers another $1 or so), and replace the slide on terminals with loop connectors the right size for the #10 bolt. I connected all of the connectors to the bolt, with a couple of spacers between each connector, and tightened the nut 'snug' but not insanely tight (brass bolt, not titanium). This ensures a solid ground connection, that won't suddenly fail without notice.

If you are having any of these problems, before investing in an ECM, or a switch unit, or any other EXPENSIVE parts, try this first. You may save yourself a lot of money, time, aggravation, and cuss words.

 

[pila80]

Bad grounds and leaky vacuum hoses sell a lot of un-needed parts alright....

 

[Cadillac_AL]

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[sabelq]

Where exactly did you do this? I've replaced my alternator and think my ECM may be flaky. Perhaps not. My voltage meter/red led give me concern. Very high voltage reading, and red light on, but not always, or together, or predictably. Sometimes just fine, but than 'service engine soon' light comes on. Almost 206k and she runs great. I've had her 2 months now, and have serviced much. Worn out plugs measuring .085 ran no worse than fresh AC's at .060. She's strong! Always starts and goes smooth. Egr, throttle body, trans service soon. Probably this weekend. Thank you for your post and pic, but where exactly is that grounding block you improved on?

 

[Spriteman]

I'm pretty sure the pic of the ground replacement is underneath the drivers carpet, right at the door threshold toward the front door frame.

 

[fm9572]

That would be correct, Spriteman. Another member told me about the ground block when I was having problems with my power windows after it would rain. My vehicle has a leak in the ac system that allows water to pool in my floorboard. I drilled a small hole for drainage, and at first, I just added another ground to the block, directly to the floor. It helped, but it didn't cure everything. I replaced the grounding block, and haven't had any problems with the systems I've mentioned since then.